reviews

​Hamilton Loomis (from the album Basics)Opening on a deeply personal note, Hamilton Loomis begins the song cycle of his recent release, Basics, with a story and a special message for his son. In 2015, his toddler was diagnosed with HI (hyperinsulinism), a rare disease that causes low blood sugar. As a musician, Loomis offers a helping hand by raising awareness with the lead cut, “Sugar Baby," dedicating the song to his son and other kids, called ‘sugar babies,’ and their families. Musically, the rhythm of the track sets the pace for Basics, layering guitar leads over a non-stop Rock Funk groove. Loomis balances the natural Soul of his vocals with assured beats, slowing the pace without depleting the punch with “Prayer," scratching out a forceful strut on guitar chords for “Ain’t What It Ain’t,” and throwing out a line using promises as bait on the solid backbeat of “Come and Get Me.”Growing up in Galveston, Texas, Loomis' family, specifically their love and performance of music, were a major influence on his future musical paths. Meeting Bo Diddley backstage at a Houston show when he was 16 lit the fire even further as he found himself on stage playing guitar alongside the legend, who went on to become a mentor, collaborator, and supporter. Diddley performs on two of Loomis' earlier albums, and even gifted his fellow Texan one of his cherished red guitars, which Hamilton still plays today. Basics pulls the story out of “Breaking Down” with classic Rhythm and Blues and pounds out a beat for the magic brew of “Candles and Wine.” Loomis wrangles rhythm out of the tangled melody of “Looking into a Dream”, pushes out a stuttered groove as he re-thinks his game for “If I Would’ve” and chops up chords for the album-closing jam of “Funky Little Brother.” ​Listen and buy the music of Hamilton Loomis from AMAZONhttp://www.hamiltonloomis.com/